JP3950666B2 - Connector, electronic device and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector, an electronic device, and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly, a connector mounted on the electronic device and an electronic component such as a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory, and is detachable from a main body device such as a personal computer. The present invention relates to an electronic device and an information processing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Portable notebook personal computers have been put into practical use due to the miniaturization of components and high performance, but the hard disk devices are also becoming smaller and detachable hard disk devices have been proposed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the removable hard disk drive has a connector portion that is electrically connected to a main unit such as a personal computer, which may affect the data in the disk due to dust adhesion or static electricity. It was.
[0004]
For this reason, a configuration in which the connector portion is covered with a shutter is conceivable, but a method that can be realized with a simple configuration has been desired.
[0005]
In addition, it has been desired to have a configuration in which the shutter is not opened carelessly.
[0006]
An object of this invention is to implement | achieve the shutter which covers the connection part of a connector by simple structure.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to simplify the structure of an electronic device having a connector protection portion and a connector guide portion.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, an electronic device according to the present invention includes a housing containing an electronic component and a side surface portion of the housing, and the housing is attached to an information processing device, thereby In an electronic device having a connector connected to an information processing device connector in a processing device, the electronic device is disposed on a side surface portion of the housing that is perpendicular to a side surface portion on which the connector is disposed, and the housing is the information processing device When mounted on a device, the guide is supported by a guide receiving portion disposed in the information processing device, and is continuously connected to the guide portion that guides the housing, and the housing is connected to the information processing device. A connector guide portion that is supported by the guide receiving portion and guides the connector when mounted on the device; a first position that covers the connector to protect the connector; and A protector that is movable between a second position that exposes the connector to the outside so that it can be connected to the connector, a lock part that fixes the protector at the first position, and a connector guide part. And when the housing is mounted on the information processing device, the pressed portion is pressed by a release member in the information processing device. Thus, the pressed part releases the lock part.
[0009]
In addition, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing containing electronic components, an electronic device having a first connector disposed on a side surface of the housing, and a second connected to the first connector. The electronic device is disposed on a side surface portion of the housing that is perpendicular to a side surface portion on which the first connector is disposed. Is mounted on the main body device, is supported by a guide receiving portion disposed in the main body device, and is continuously connected to the guide portion for guiding the housing, and the housing is A connector guide portion that is supported by the guide receiving portion and guides the housing when mounted on the main body device; and a first position that covers the first connector to protect the first connector; The second connector is connected to the first connector. A protective part movable between a second position exposing the first connector to the outside so that the first connector can be connected, a lock part for fixing the protective part to the first position, And a pressed part that is disposed on the connector guide part and releases the fixation of the lock part, and when the casing is attached to the main body apparatus, the pressed part is provided on a release member in the main body apparatus. By being pressed, the pressed part releases the lock part.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connector according to the present embodiment.
[0013]
In the figure, (a) and (b) are electronic devices and connectors viewed from different directions.
[0014]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic device, which is composed of a housing 10 and a connector 30. Inside the housing 10, a storage medium such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory and the storage medium are driven (data read / write, etc.). Built-in electronic components. The connector 30 is detachable from the housing 10, but is fixed with screws, screws, solder, etc. in a state of being attached to the housing 10.
[0015]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a connector, which is attached to an information processing apparatus main body such as a personal computer, and is connected to the connector 30 so that the information processing apparatus main body transmits and receives data to and from the electronic device 1.
[0016]
A concave guide 31 is provided on the side surface of the connector 30, and the guide 31 is connected to the guide 13 provided on the side surface of the housing 10 substantially continuously.
[0017]
The guides 31 and 13 are supported by guide receiving portions provided at both ends of a mounting portion for mounting the electronic device 1 of the information processing apparatus main body.
[0018]
The connection part 11 of the connector 30 is configured to be covered with the shutter 12. When the connector 20 and the connector 30 are connected, the shutter 12 is pushed and the connection part 11 and the connection part 21 are connected. It's become.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the state in which the shutter 12 is pushed (opened) with the connector 30 and the connector 20 connected. The connector 20 is omitted.
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a side view of the electronic device 1.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a part of the lock portion 14 for locking the shutter 12 is exposed to the outside from the opening portion 15 of the guide portion 31 of the connector 30.
[0022]
When the connector 30 and the connector 20 are connected, the lock portion 14 is pushed by the lock release portion 22 of the connector 20 to be unlocked and the shutter 12 is opened.
[0023]
The lock unit 14 will be described in more detail.
[0024]
4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the electronic apparatus 1. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the shutter 12 is locked by the lock unit 14, and FIG. Is released and the shutter 12 is open.
[0025]
In the locked state, the shutter 12 is closed by the spring 16.
[0026]
When the connector 30 and the connector 20 are connected, the lock part 14 is pushed inward by the lock release part 22, and the lock is released. And the shutter 12 is pushed by the convex part around the connection part 21 of the connector 20, the connection part 11 and the connection part 21 are connected, and the electronic apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus main body are electrically connected. Information can be transmitted and received between the information processing apparatus and the electronic device 1.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, when the electronic device 1 is mounted on the information processing apparatus main body, the lock section 14 is guided when the guide sections 13 and 31 are supported by the guide receiving section of the information processing apparatus main body. Although it is pushed a little by the receiving portion, the lock portion 14 is configured not to be pushed until the lock is completely released.
[0028]
When the connector 30 is removed from the connector 20 (when the electronic device 1 is removed from the information processing apparatus main body), the shutter 12 that has been pushed by the convex portions around the connection portion 21 as the connection portion 11 and the connection portion 21 are separated. Is returned by the force of the spring 16, whereby a part of the lock part 14 is exposed from the opening 15, and a part of the lock part 14 is exposed from the opening 15 by its own spring action. Is locked.
[0029]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connector portion can be protected with a simple configuration.
[0030]
In addition, the protection of the connector portion can be locked with a simple configuration.
[0031]
Further, by using two types of springs, a protection mechanism and a lock mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration.
[0032]
Further, by providing the opening portion of the lock mechanism in the guide portion, the lock mechanism is realized, so that the structure of the connector is simplified.
[0033]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the shutter mechanism locking mechanism will be described.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connector according to the second embodiment. The connector 20 and the housing 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0035]
FIG. 7A is a plan view of the electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment as viewed from above (partially seen through), and FIG. 7B is FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
[0036]
The housing 10 is provided with a connector 50 that engages with the connector 20, and the connection portion 11 of the connector 50 is covered with a shutter 53. The shutter 53 is pressed in the left direction in FIG. 7 (direction in which the connecting portion is hidden) by the spring 16 inserted in the shaft 50d provided integrally with the connector 50, so that it does not come off from the inside of the connector 50 by the stopper 50c. Is composed. The shutter 53 is made of resin, and a spring portion 53c is integrally provided on both sides, and a convex portion 53b is provided at the tip of the spring portion 53c. Further, claw portions 53a are formed on the top and bottom of the convex portion 53b in the thickness direction.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 8, the grooves 31 on both sides of the connector 50 are provided with openings 50b so that the convex portions 53b can move to the left and right shown in FIG. A lock portion 50a is formed in a part of the opening 50b in the vertical direction, and the positional relationship is such that the spring portion 53c interferes with the claw portion 53a when the spring portion 53c is free.
[0038]
Next, the lock mechanism of the shutter 53 will be described in detail.
[0039]
FIG. 9A is a side view of the electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment as viewed from the right side, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 9A, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a portion E in FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, when the connector 20 is not engaged, the projection 53b at the tip of the spring portion 53 is not pressed. Even if it is pushed in the right direction of a) (direction in which the connecting portion is exposed), the claw portion 53a is caught by the lock portion 50a of the connector 50 and cannot move in the right direction.
[0041]
Next, a case where the lock mechanism is released will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a state where the tip of the unlocking portion 22 of the connector 20 is inserted into the groove 31 and the convex portion 53b is pressed to the inside of the connector 50. FIG. ) Enlarged view of part I. 12 (a) shows a state in which the connector 20 is further inserted into the connector 50, and FIG. 12 (b) is an enlarged view of part G in FIG. 12 (a). FIG. 13A shows a state in which the connector 20 is completely inserted into the connector 50, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the 13 (a) H portion.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 11B, FIG. 12B, and FIG. 13B, when the connector 20 is inserted into the connector 50, the release member 22 presses the convex portion 53b inward, whereby the spring portion. 53c deform | transforms, the convex part 53b moves inside, and the nail | claw part 53a which is integral also moves inside. As shown in FIG. 12B, since the claw portion 53a and the lock portion 50a do not interfere with each other in this state, the shutter 53 moves to the right by the insertion of the connector 20, and the connector 20 and the connector 50 are completely coupled. .
[0044]
The same applies to the case where the connector 20 is removed from the connector 50. If the connector is in the inserted state, the lock release portion 22 moves the convex portion 53b inward, and the claw portion 53a and the lock portion 50a do not interfere with each other. 16 is moved together with the connector 20, and the convex portion 53b hits the stopper 50c and stops.
[0045]
As described above, the convex portion 53b pressed by the unlocking portion 22 to release the lock of the shutter 53 is provided with the opening 50b for moving, and a mechanism for locking the shutter 53 is provided elsewhere. As a result, the amount of deformation of the spring portion 53c is reduced, and the possibility of creep due to deformation is reduced. Moreover, since the convex part 53b does not contact | connect the inner wall of the connector 50, a sliding load also decreases and wear of an inner wall can also be prevented.
[0046]
(Third embodiment)
In both the first and second embodiments, the example in which the shutter portion and the lock portion are integrally formed has been described. However, it is conceivable that the shutter portion and the lock portion are configured as separate members as described below. This will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0047]
FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are perspective views of the electronic device and the connector according to the second embodiment as seen from different directions.
[0048]
FIG. 15A is a plan view of the electronic apparatus according to the third embodiment as seen from above (partially seen through), and FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion J in FIG. 15A. is there. FIG. 16A is a right side view of the electronic apparatus according to the third embodiment, FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of FIG. 16A, and FIG. 17A is FIG. It is BB sectional drawing of (a), FIG.17 (b) is an enlarged view of the L section of Fig.17 (a).
[0049]
A connector 58 connected to the connector 60 is attached to the housing 10, and the connection portion 11 of the connector 58 is covered with a shutter 59. The shutter 59 is pressed leftward in FIG. 15A by a spring 16 inserted in a shaft 58d provided integrally with the connector 58, and is configured not to be detached from the inside of the connector 58 by a stopper 58c.
[0050]
Next, the lock mechanism of the shutter 59 will be described in detail.
[0051]
21 (a) and 22 (a) are perspective views showing only the unit portion of the shutter 59 (partially seen through), and are shown from different directions, and FIG. 21 (b) is shown in FIG. FIG. 22B is an enlarged view of the R portion in FIG. 22A.
[0052]
The shutter 59 is provided with a hole 59g, and the shaft 61c of the lever 61 is inserted. The lever 61 is integrally provided with a convex portion 61b pressed by the unlocking portion 22 and a claw portion 61a for locking the shutter, and further, an inclined surface 61d is formed on the claw portion 61a. The shutter 59 is provided with a shaft 59f, and a coil spring 62 is inserted into the shaft 59f. One lever portion of the coil spring 62 is in pressure contact with a wall 59 e provided integrally with the shutter 59, and the other is in pressure contact with the lever 61. Therefore, the lever 61 is pressed so as to rotate outward about the shaft 61c.
[0053]
18 (a), 19 (a), and 20 (a) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the connector 60 is inserted into the connector 58 while pushing down the shutter 59, and FIG. 18 (b). 18 (a) is an enlarged view of the M portion, FIG. 19 (b) is an enlarged view of the N portion in FIG. 19 (a), and FIG. 20 (b) is an enlarged view of the P portion in FIG. 20 (a).
[0054]
Since the connector 60 is not inserted in the state of FIG. 17B, the thrust direction of the shutter 59 is regulated in a state where the spring 16 pushes up the shutter 59 and the lever 61 hits the stopper 58 c of the connector 58. Although the rotation direction of the lever 61 is pushed outward by the coil spring 62, the claw 61 a abuts against the inner side surface of the connector 58 and is restricted as shown in FIGS. 17 (b) and 16 (b). . Even if the shutter 59 is pressed in this state, the claw 61a is caught by the lock portion 58a and cannot be slid further.
[0055]
FIG. 18A shows a state where the unlocking portion 22 of the connector 60 is pressed against the convex portion 61b and the lever 61 is pushed down to the inside of the connector 58, but the shutter 59 is not pushed down.
[0056]
Further, FIG. 19A shows a state in which the connector 60 is inserted into the connector 58, and the claw portion 61a slides without being caught by the lock portion 58a. In FIG. 60 shows a state where the connector 60 is completely inserted into the connector 58.
[0057]
If the levers 61 on both sides are pushed inward by some method, the shutter 59 can be pushed down. If the lever 61 is made free with the shutter 59 lowered in this way, and the shutter 59 is also made free, the shutter 59 is pushed upward, and the lever 61 is raised while being pressed against the wall side of the connector 58. . Since the lever 61 moves upward while being pressed against the inner wall of the connector 58, the claw portion 61a and the lock portion 58 interfere with each other. However, since the slope 61d is formed on the upper part of the claw portion 61a of the lever 61 and the slope 58d is also formed on the lock portion 58a, the lever 61 rotates inward when it hits the lock portion 58a, and the lock portion 58a is moved. The shutter 59 rises until it gets over and the convex part 61b hits the stopper 58c.
[0058]
Further, the connector 60 is soldered to the printed board 55, but the connector 60 is provided with a stepped hole 60a so as to escape the shaft 58d. The printed circuit board 55 is also provided with holes at positions corresponding to the holes 60a, and the connector 60 and the printed circuit board 55 are firmly fixed by screws 56 and nuts 57 using the holes. ing.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the nut 57 is fixed so as to be in contact with the printed circuit board 55 side. However, the screw 56 may be fixed so as to be in contact with the printed circuit board 55 side. Further, the nut 55 may be insert-molded in advance into the hole 60a.
[0060]
Furthermore, if a self-tapping screw slightly thicker than the inner diameter of the hole 60a is used and screwed from the printed circuit board 55 side, the nut 57 becomes unnecessary and the cost is reduced.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, protection of a connector attached to an electronic device can be realized with a simple configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connector according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which the shutter 12 is pushed (opened) in a state where the connector 30 and the connector 20 are connected.
3 is a side view of the electronic device 1. FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic apparatus 1 in a state where the shutter 12 is locked by the lock member 14. FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in a state where the lock member 14 is released by the lock release portion 22 of the connector 20 and the shutter 12 is opened. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connector according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of an electronic device according to a second embodiment as viewed from above.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
9 is a side view of the electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment as viewed from the right side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9 (a).
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connector according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of an electronic device according to a third embodiment as viewed from above.
FIG. 16 is a right side view of an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lock release mechanism unit according to a third embodiment.
21 is a perspective view showing only a unit portion of the shutter 59. FIG.
22 is a perspective view showing only a unit portion of the shutter 59. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 10 Housing | casing 12 Shutter 13 Guide 14 Locking member 15 Opening part 16 Spring 20 Connector 22 Unlocking part 30 Connector 31 Guide 50 Connector 50a Locking part 50b Opening part 53 Shutter 53a Claw part 53b Convex part 53c Spring part 56 Screw 57 Nut 58 Connector 58a Lock part 59 Shutter 60 Connector 60a Hole 61 Lever 61a Claw part 61b Convex part 62 Coil spring

Claims (7)

A housing containing electronic components;
In an electronic device that is disposed on a side surface of the housing and has a connector connected to an information processing device connector in the information processing device by mounting the housing on the information processing device .
A guide receiving portion disposed in the side surface portion of the housing that is perpendicular to the side surface portion in which the connector is disposed, and disposed in the information processing device when the housing is attached to the information processing device. A guide portion that is supported by and guides the housing;
A connector guide portion that is continuously connected to the guide portion and is supported by the guide receiving portion and guides the connector when the housing is mounted on the information processing apparatus;
A protection unit movable between a first position covering the connector to protect the connector and a second position exposing the connector to the outside so that the information processing apparatus can be connected to the connector ; ,
A lock portion for fixing the protection portion in the first position;
A pressed portion that is disposed in the connector guide portion and releases the fixation of the lock portion;
When the casing is attached to the information processing device, the pressed portion is released from the lock member by being pressed by a release member in the information processing device. Features electronic equipment. Furthermore, it is arranged in the connector guide part, and the pressed part has an opening that can move between the inside and the outside of the housing,
A spring for pushing the protection unit in the first position,
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a spring for exposing a part of the pressed portion from the opening . The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the axial spring is inserted for pushing the protective portion to the first position is provided on the connector. A housing containing electronic components, and an electronic device having a first connector disposed on a side surface of the housing;
An information processing apparatus comprising a main unit having a second connector connected to the first connector ,
The electronic device is
A guide receiver disposed in the side surface portion of the housing that is perpendicular to the side surface portion in which the first connector is disposed, and disposed in the main body device when the housing is attached to the main body device. A guide part that is supported by the part and guides the housing;
A connector guide portion that is continuously connected to the guide portion and is supported by the guide receiving portion to guide the housing when the housing is mounted on the main body device;
A first position covering the first connector to protect the first connector; and a first position exposing the first connector so that the second connector can be connected to the first connector . A protective part movable between two positions;
A locking portion for fixing the protective portion to the first position,
A pressed portion that is disposed in the connector guide portion and releases the fixation of the lock portion;
When the casing is attached to the main body device, the pressed portion releases the lock portion by pressing the pressed portion against a release member in the main body device. Information processing apparatus. Furthermore, it is arranged in the connector guide part, and the pressed part has an opening that can move between the inside and the outside of the housing,
A spring for pushing the protection unit in the first position,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a spring that exposes a part of the pressed portion from the opening .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a shaft into which a spring for pushing the protection unit to the first position is inserted is provided on the first connector side.   7. The second connector is provided with a hole into which the shaft is inserted, and the second connector is fixed to the main body device by inserting, press-fitting, or screwing a fastening member into the hole. The information processing apparatus described in 1.

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